The All Progressives Congress in the United States has urged President Donald Trump to prioritise diplomatic engagement rather than military action following the designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”.
In a statement issued in Washington on Tuesday, APC USA Chairman, Prof. Tai Balofin, commended Trump’s advocacy for global religious freedoms but appealed for a diplomatic approach as the best path to resolving security challenges in Nigeria.
“President Trump’s vigilance honours the sacred values that unite America and Nigeria. Yet, in the annals of statecraft, it is through dialogue—not division—that enduring peace is forged,” he said.
Trump’s comments, made on October 31 and followed by a November 2 post on his Truth Social platform calling for U.S. forces to “prepare for possible action,” have sparked global reactions.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement via his X handle, described the US designation as a “gross exaggeration,” reiterating his administration’s commitment to working with international partners to combat extremism and maintain national unity.
Balofin, however, cautioned against external misinterpretation of Nigeria’s complex security situation, describing the violence as multidimensional and often driven by resource-based and communal conflicts affecting both Christians and Muslims.
He noted that most of the large-scale incidents cited in international reports occurred before Tinubu took office in 2023, stressing that the Tinubu administration has since taken firm steps to curb insecurity.
Citing the June 2025 Yelwata massacre in Benue State—where more than 200 Christians were killed—Balofin praised Tinubu’s swift response, including his visit to the affected community, direct orders for arrests, and the subsequent detention of 41 suspects within weeks.
The statement read, “President Tinubu demonstrated empathy and firmness. His swift response sent a clear message that impunity will not be tolerated under his administration.”
He dismissed claims that the government is indifferent to insecurity, describing such allegations as “politically motivated” attempts to discredit Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Tinubu’s political opposition is actively working to frustrate his government and undermine its transformative agenda.
“These distortions, amplified internationally, aim to damage his reputation and discourage foreign investment,” he said.
Balofin called on the U.S. to strengthen its partnership with Nigeria through support for judicial reforms, interfaith dialogues, and diaspora-led initiatives that promote understanding and accurate reporting.
He assured Nigerians in the diaspora that ongoing diplomatic efforts would help de-escalate tensions and correct misconceptions about the situation.
“Through APC USA’s advocacy and backchannel engagements, President Trump will receive the full tableau of facts, averting any military horizon. Your bridge-building endures; harbor no undue alarm.”
Balofin noted that the controversy presents “an opportunity for stronger U.S.-Nigeria relations rooted in respect, collaboration, and shared values.”
PUNCH.
